Vaginal burning, or a burning sensation in the vagina, is a symptom that can be due to a variety of causes. Frequently, vaginal burning in women is associated with shame; however, an early visit to the doctor can often help.
What is vaginal burning?
Vaginal burning is the term used to describe a burning pain on the vagina of women. In this regard, vaginal burning can occur in women of any age. Vaginal burning is the name given to a burning pain on the vagina of women. In this, a burning sensation in the vagina can occur in women of any age group. Frequently, a burning pain of the vagina is also accompanied by increased secretion discharge, the so-called fluor vaginalis. Severe itching is also often associated with a burning sensation in the vagina. This itching is also known in medicine as pruritus genitalis. Typical for such itching in connection with vaginal burning is that it increases under the influence of heat. If such itching is present only for a short time, it is usually a harmless symptom. Women affected by vaginal burning often report painful sensations during sexual intercourse or, in some cases, when applying tampons for monthly hygiene.
Causes
There are various possible causes for the occurrence of vaginal burning: bacterial vaginitis often underlies burning in the vagina. Bacteria lead to inflammation in this case, especially when the protective mechanism of the mucous membrane in the genital area is influenced. Medical terms for such bacterial inflammations with vaginal burning are, for example, ‘vaginosis’ or ‘vaginitis’. Other possible causes of vaginal burning are vaginal fungal infections (also known as vaginal mycosis). It is estimated that at least 75% of all women are affected by such an infection at least once during their lifetime. In addition, causes of a burning sensation in the vagina can be various contact allergies (for example, to soaps or care products) or diseases that can be transmitted during sexual intercourse (such as gonorrhea; popularly known as gonorrhea).
Diseases with this symptom
- Cystitis
- Vulvodynia
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Gonorrhea
- Genital warts
- Chlamydia infection
- Vaginitis
- Candidiasis
- Trichomoniasis
- Herpes simplex
- Vaginal fungus
- Contact allergy
Diagnosis and course
To be able to determine the specific cause of vaginal burning in individual cases, a visit to a gynecologist is often advisable. As a rule, a gynecologist will first ask about the exact symptoms and inquire about any previous illnesses. Such a discussion is then usually followed by a specific examination:
It is usual here to take a so-called swab, i.e. a sample of the mucosal flora of the vagina, in order to be able to find indications for the cause of the vaginal burning under the microscope. If vaginal burning is due to inflammation of the mucous membranes, the vaginal mucosa may also be slightly red. A fungal infection, for example, would be indicated by visible coatings on the vaginal mucosa during the examination. The course of a burning sensation in the vagina then depends, among other things, on the longevity of the underlying disease and the timing of a treatment start.
Complications
Burning in the vagina is a symptom that most adult and sexually active women will attribute to vaginal fungus. Most of the time, they are indeed correct in doing so and subsequently treat themselves with a vaginal cream or accompanying vaginal tablets. Unless they use a broad-spectrum active ingredient, there is a risk that they will treat the vaginal fungus with the wrong medication and that the active ingredient will not work at all against the fungus that is responsible for the burning sensation in the vagina. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the doctor in case of suspicion of vaginal mycosis and have him examine the burning sensation in the vagina even if the fungus disappeared a short time ago and it can only be a return of the same pathogen. Otherwise, wrong treatment can lead to the fact that the fungus becomes even more persistent and the burning in the vagina does not disappear for a long time.Because burning in the vagina is so often associated with vaginal fungus, there is still a risk of not recognizing other causes. For example, it could also be a hypersensitive reaction to latex if the vagina has come into contact with it shortly before, for example through condoms or sex toys. However, a doctor can find out the cause of burning in the vagina.
When should you see a doctor?
Burning in the vagina can occur for a short time and have harmless causes that do not require further clarification. The situation is different for vaginal burning that lasts longer or occurs frequently. This is often accompanied by itching and discharge. Those affected by vaginal burning also often complain of pain during sexual intercourse and when using tampons. Some women hesitate to go to the doctor because they are ashamed of burning in the vagina. However, a visit to the doctor is absolutely necessary in case of vaginal burning. Shame is unnecessary here, because patients with burning in the vagina are everyday professional life for doctors. The gynecologist is responsible for the treatment of vaginal burning. Burning in the vagina is often caused by a vaginal fungal infection or bacterial vaginitis. Sexually transmitted diseases also play a role in vaginal burning, especially gonorrhea, colloquially known as gonorrhea. If the causes of vaginal burning are treated late due to a delayed visit to the doctor, this can unnecessarily complicate and prolong the therapy. In the case of vaginal burning, it is also important to consider a possible contact allergy, for example to latex or certain body cleansing products. Especially in the case of vaginal fungi and STDs as triggers for burning in the vagina, it is beneficial to involve the partner in treatment procedures as well.
Treatment and therapy
Successful treatment of vaginal burning is based on therapy for the underlying cause of the burning sensation in the vagina: If bacterial vaginitis is responsible for vaginal burning, for example, there is the possibility of a prescription of antibiotics (to fight the bacteria) by the gynecologist. If vaginal burning is due to a fungal infection, the administration of so-called antimycotics (i.e. drugs that kill fungi or inhibit their growth) can be an effective therapeutic step. Such antibiotics or antimycotics are often applied locally in the form of ointments or suppositories; however, depending on the cause of the vaginal burning, it may also be necessary to take the active substances in tablet form so that the substances can reach the entire organism. If women are affected by underlying diseases that can be contagious (such as vaginal fungi or so-called venereal diseases), and if these women live in a partnership, it may be useful to subject the partner to the therapeutic measures as well to a certain extent. In addition, to counteract the spread of possible pathogens, adequate intimate hygiene is advised.
Outlook and prognosis
A burning sensation in the vagina can have many causes and very often these complaints can be cured with a light cream. The first thing to tackle is to contact your gynecologist. A burning sensation in the vagina can be a sign of the beginning of a fungal disease. To rule out such diseases, it is necessary for the gynecologist to perform a thorough examination. Only when the prognosis is established, a burning sensation in the vagina can be treated professionally. Changing underwear too infrequently can also be a cause of burning in the vagina. In this case, the patient can take action himself by providing continuous and detailed personal hygiene. If the burning sensation in the vagina does not improve, it is advisable to contact your gynecologist immediately. In rare cases, serious diseases can also reflect their first signs in such burning.
Prevention
To prevent vaginal burning from worsening, it may be wise to see a gynecologist at an early stage. In this way, a quick start to treatment can prevent progression of the causative symptoms. Women with changing sexual partners can prevent STIs as a cause of vaginal burning, for example, by having protected sexual intercourse.Within partnerships, careful intimate hygiene can prevent mutual transmission of pathogens.
What you can do yourself
Numerous over-the-counter creams and vaginal suppositories provide relief against burning in the vagina. Recommended active ingredients are clotrimazole as well as nystatin. However, it is not always beneficial to treat vaginal burning sensations yourself. Especially when the problems occur for the first time or the affected person does not know what it is, a visit to the gynecologist is essential. However, the use of the above-mentioned medicines complicates the medical diagnosis. However, sufferers can take preventive measures against burning in the vagina. This is especially true for women who frequently suffer from this problem. It is strongly recommended to avoid tight-fitting and synthetic underwear. Cotton underwear is more advantageous. These absorb sweat and can be washed hot. While women suffer from a burning sensation in the vagina, they should refrain from sexual intercourse. If the burning sensation in the vagina is caused by a fungal infection, this can be transmitted to the partner. If those affected want to counteract the burning sensation in the vagina with medication, drugs with the active ingredient povidone–iodine are recommended. These inhibit the growth of germs on the skin and kill them. Preparations containing lactic acid are also advisable. These strengthen the protective acid mantle of the skin and mucous membranes. In addition, they prevent diseases of the vagina and support the treatment. Ultimately, however, it should also be mentioned that they detach the cornea and restrict sperm motility.